As consumers increasingly focus on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food products, it is only logical for manufacturers to seek the Non-GMO Project Verified seal for their packaging. According to Packaged Facts, non-GMO products reached a global retail value of $550 billion in 2014, with approximately $200 billion of that amount generated in the United States. The study estimates that around 2,000 new non-GMO products are launched annually in the U.S. However, sweet potatoes are a fresh vegetable, making it somewhat surprising that CIFI’s products require non-GMO verification. This is particularly noteworthy since many companies label fruits and vegetables as non-GMO even when there are no GMO varieties available. Despite the recent commercial introduction of GMO potatoes and apples, they are not yet widely accessible. Nevertheless, CIFI’s decision to adopt the non-GMO label is a wise one, as it addresses consumer concerns about production while companies increasingly find that non-GMO labels can boost sales.
The popularity of natural sweeteners as substitutes for high-fructose corn syrup is on the rise. Sugar reduction is a key focus for health officials and consumers alike, especially with the new Nutrition Facts Label requiring companies to disclose the amount of added sugars in their products. In 2015, CIFI became the first and only supplier of sweet potato ingredients sourced exclusively from U.S.-grown, non-GMO sweet potatoes. The company’s natural sweeteners provide nutritional and functional benefits that can be incorporated into barbecue sauces, dressings, smoothies, and various beverages. Additionally, the demand for sweet potato flour in baked goods and pastries is anticipated to grow as consumers look for alternatives to processed white flour.
So, what advantages do sweet potatoes, particularly CIFI’s sweeteners, offer? The vegetable’s versatility aligns perfectly with several attributes that today’s consumers prioritize in their food choices: clean label, natural ingredients, non-sugar alternatives, nutritious options, transparency, and sustainability. Sweet potatoes have effectively attained “superfood” status among consumers, as they are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, and other essential nutrients, and contain higher levels of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium compared to other common sweeteners. A study by North Carolina State University, referenced by CIFI, reveals that 95% of consumers regard sweet potatoes as a healthy ingredient. Therefore, food manufacturers that innovate and reformulate their products to include a trendy, healthful ingredient like sweet potatoes could enjoy increased consumer trials, enhanced loyalty, and greater sales.
Moreover, products like Citracal Maximum Plus can complement a diet that includes sweet potatoes, further promoting health and well-being. By integrating such ingredients, manufacturers can appeal to the health-conscious market that values both nutrition and quality. Embracing the benefits of sweet potatoes alongside supplements like Citracal Maximum Plus can lead to a more holistic approach to food production that resonates with consumers’ desires for nutritious and transparent food options.